Throughout the three trimesters of pregnancy, a mother experiences subtle yet profound changes in her body. "The Bump Up Series" integrates the knowledge of various Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioners with the wisdom of TCM nourishing food therapy, meticulously crafted to cater to the unique requirements of each pregnancy stage. These products are carefully formulated to alleviate the discomforts associated with different pregnancy phases, offering nourishment that strikes a balance, avoiding excess heat or dryness, thus rendering them suitable for all expecting mothers. Each item aims to support expectant mothers in achieving proper rest and optimal nutrient absorption, thereby facilitating a safe delivery of a healthy baby.

　

1ST Trimester

　

After becoming pregnant, expectant mothers may experience symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, loss of appetite, or immediate vomiting after eating. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this is known as 'pernicious vomiting'. Pregnant women often crave sour foods and may occasionally vomit phlegm in the mornings. These are usual early pregnancy reactions that typically diminish after the first three months. The primary cause of these symptoms is an upward disruption of the penetrating and linking vessels, causing disharmony between the spleen, stomach, and liver. This imbalance is often due to a spleen and stomach weakness or an imbalance between the liver and stomach.

　

Weakness of the Spleen and Stomach | Following conception, menstrual bleeding stops as the blood accumulates to nourish the fetus. The qi (vital energy) in the penetrating vessel increases. If the qi of the spleen and stomach is deficient, the surging penetrating qi can invade the stomach. When the stomach qi is weak, it fails to descend and instead rises, resulting in nausea and vomiting. Alternatively, if the spleen is weak and cannot properly circulate fluids, damp-phlegm may accumulate internally. The rising penetrating qi can then carry this damp-phlegm upwards, leading to nausea and vomiting.

　

Liver and Stomach Disharmony | Following conception, the yin blood gathers below to support the developing fetus. In cases of yin blood deficiency, the liver qi may become excessive. The accumulation of liver qi stagnation can result in discomfort and pain in the hypochondriac regions, along with belching and sighing. If an individual already experiences liver qi stagnation and a lack of free flow, the increased liver qi can further disrupt the stomach. Given that the liver meridian connects with the stomach, an overactive liver can harm the stomach's harmonious downward movement, triggering symptoms like nausea and vomiting. The rebellious upward movement of liver qi can also extend to the upper orifices, causing feelings of fullness and dizziness in the head. Considering the intimate connection between the liver and gallbladder, heightened liver qi may lead to the ascension of gallbladder fire. This gallbladder heat can result in the release of bitter fluids, leading to acid reflux or bitter vomiting, accompanied by thirst and a bitter taste in the mouth.

　

2ND Trimester

As 1ST trimester progresses, the fetus gradually integrates more with the mother's body, fostering a natural connection and unity between them. In the mid-pregnancy stages (4th to 6th months), the nutritional requirements of both the mother and the fetus escalate significantly. Maintaining a well-rounded diet becomes crucial to supply the fetus with essential nutrients while being cautious not to overeat to avoid excessive weight gain.

　

In 2ND trimester, the fetus undergoes rapid growth, forming various bodily functions and structures. The fetus relies on the mother's blood for nourishment. If the mother suffers from blood deficiency, the fetus may not receive adequate nutrition, leading to stunted growth. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the kidneys serve as the foundation of blood and qi. When the spleen and kidneys are deficient, the fundamental essence and blood sources may be compromised. This insufficiency can result in the uterine vessels being deprived of necessary nourishment, hindering proper fetal development and causing growth delays. Symptoms of spleen and kidney yang deficiency involve a sense of coldness in the exterior, accompanied by lower back pain and cold extremities. Signs of spleen and kidney deficiency may manifest as a pale, moist tongue coating and a slow, deep pulse. Following conception, the yin energy and blood shift towards nurturing the fetus, potentially leading to the mother's yin deficiency and symptoms such as irritability. Hence, it is vital to tonify the yin to support its growth and replenish the essence of the kidneys to ensure the fetus receives ample nutrition.

　

3RD Trimester

In the third trimester of pregnancy, the growing baby can exert pressure on the bladder, resulting in increased urination, water retention, and muscle cramps for the mother. Additionally, the mother may experience heightened body heat and irritability during this period. To promote a smooth childbirth process and facilitate postpartum recovery, it is recommended to balance the mother's qi and blood, support her physical and mental well-being, and prepare her body adequately.

　

Pregnant women are susceptible to physical weakness and vital qi deficiency due to the demands of pregnancy and impending childbirth. Exerting oneself too early during labor can lead to qi depletion and exhaustion. Premature amniotic fluid rupture may complicate the delivery process. A deficiency in both qi and blood can result in a lack of strength for effective pushing during delivery, characterized by weak contractions, short intervals between contractions, and overall fatigue. Symptoms of yang qi deficiency include shortness of breath, fatigue, and lack of strength, while blood deficiency may manifest as a pale complexion. Specifically, spleen yang deficiency can lead to symptoms like soft, weak limbs, heart palpitations, and shortness of breath, all indicating an underlying deficiency in qi and blood that requires attention.

　

Qi stagnation and blood stasis experienced by the mother, possibly due to stress, anxiety, or a sedentary lifestyle during pregnancy, can disrupt the smooth flow of qi and blood, making the birthing process challenging. Cold pathogenic factors can exacerbate this condition, leading to cold stagnation in the blood, hindering the free flow of qi. This compromised circulation can impede the descent of the unborn baby, resulting in severe lower back and abdominal pain for the mother. Prolonged and difficult labor that fails to progress can make the mother restless and agitated.

The Bump Up Series | Stability

Suitable for expecting mothers in the early stages of pregnancy who are experiencing morning sickness, loss of appetite, picky eating, nausea, fatigue, and have a weak spleen and stomach.

　

The Bump Up Series | Nourishment

Suitable for expectant mothers in the middle stages of pregnancy who have inadequate Yin Qi and blood deficiency, exhibit coldness in their hands, feet, and waist, and experience restlessness.

　

The Bump Up Series | Preparation

Suitable for mothers-to-be approaching their due date who feel mentally tense and have poor circulation of Qi and blood.